The evangelical megachurch announced the death of the 27-year-old in a statement.

Described as an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was encouragement and comfort to many, the statement said Matthew suffered from mental illness that resulted in deep depression and suicidal thoughts. He died Friday night.

My heart goes out to the Warrens. Hmmm, Christian suicide has been coming up in my life lately. A good friend of mine had a close friend of his, a Christian husband, father and high school teacher, commit suicide several weeks ago. It got myself and my Christian groups talking on the subject. If any Christians have some input on the topic I’d like to hear it.

I think Satan attacks Christians most of all. Upon hearing the sad news, I prayed for the Warrens and for all who have loved ones suffering from mental illness. The only issue I have is that I don’t think it’s necessarily chemical. I do think there can be a spiritual dimension. This doesn’t mean I think it’s the depressed person’s fault, but only that I still think we know very little about these disorders.

Mammon strikes back at those that threaten EVIL’s opponents. Rick has done lots of good, so the king of this fallen world extracts an enormous penalty. We should all say a prayer for this lost boy and his family. Perhaps, the contradictions became too much for the poor child. He had no other way to strike back. What a sad situation. I’m heartbroken by their loss. Bring peace, Lord Jesus Peace

That was my thought, too. I’m sure they tried to do everythng to help their son...but I’m wary of all the medications given out like candy to treat depression, anxiety, etc. I do understand that it can be of great benefit...but they put those warnings on the labels for a good reason: A certain percentage of people taking them will have suicidal thoughts. I think the percentage is higher than admitted.

Just went to the funeral of a family member of friends who hanged himself. He was 50 and had battled alcohol and drugs for years. Had a good job and a family who loved him. He was divorced but had a daughter who has two small girls that were not part of his life. Recently became a Christian. Put his parents through hell. They were always bailing him out of one thing or another. I really liked him. Funny and fun to be around if he wasn’t drinking or using drugs. In and out of rehab and jail. Sometimes life just gets to be too much. His parents are having a tough time. I guess it can happen to anybody. So sad.

I think that suicide, like homicidal rampages, are a product of anger mixed with despair.

I believe that everyone has a breaking point. Some of us are stronger and some of us are weaker, but even the strongest among us can be crushed under enough pressure. I think that often it is a choice the person under pressure makes to turn inward instead of turning outward. I look at the person who harms himself instead of harming others as being more altruistic.

I realize that most Christians regard suicide as unforgivable. I believe that only God knows what is in a person’s heart at the last moment and that He is understanding and forgiving. I believe that God understands when a person has reached his breaking point.

That does not mean that I think suicide is an acceptable choice. I think there are always alternatives to harming oneself or harming others. But I do believe that a person who has reached that point is in extreme pain and not thinking clearly and probably no longer capable of thinking clearly.

May God comfort and give strength to the family and friends of these people.

16
posted on 04/06/2013 2:22:53 PM PDT
by generally
(Don't be stupid. We have politicians for that.)

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